Tobias Toby

Some seven years on from the release of his debut album, Space Shuffle, London producer Toby Tobias is ready to drop the follow-up. Clearly a labour of love, Rising Son touches on many of his now-familiar influences - the futurist synth sounds of Detroit techno, deep house, Chicago jack, Balearica, leftfield boogie, Italo-disco - whilst focusing on a predominantly hardware-based sound that allows his lovingly produced melodies and gorgeous chords due room to breathe. As a result, the album sparkles, with highlights - both dancefloor-focused, such as recent single "Wonder", and more downtempo - cropping up on each of the double-album's four sides. It's actually the more atmospheric downbeat moments, such as the brilliant "Sending Signals" and IDM weird-out "Broken Computer" - that really shine.